The Latest: Hazing charges draw thanks from university head

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The Latest on charges in the death of a Florida State University fraternity pledge (all times local):

11:20 a.m.

Florida State University's president says the hazing charges against nine students in the death of a fraternity pledge are a first step in seeking justice.

John Thrasher issued a statement Wednesday expressing thanks to the State Attorney's office and the Leon County grand jury in investigating the death of 20-year old Andrew Coffey, who died on Nov. 3 after he was found unresponsive following a fraternity party. The university's suspension of all fraternities and sororities remains in place.

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Thrasher said the latest action "strengthens our resolve to address the issue of responsible student behavior at Florida State University for the benefit, safety and well-being of our students and the community."

He said Florida State will not tolerate hazing, adding that the university is "committed to continuing to combat all unsafe and dangerous practices and behaviors on our campus."

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11:20 p.m.

Nine men are facing hazing charges in connection with the death of a Florida State University fraternity pledge.

The Tallahassee Police Department on Tuesday said in an emailed release that arrest warrants were signed earlier in the day by a Leon County judge for Luke E. Klutz, Clayton M. Muehlstein, Anthony Oppenheimer, John B. Ray, Kyle J. Bauer, Christopher M. Hamlin, Conner R. Ravelo, Brett A. Birmingham and Anthony Petagine. All nine, who range in age from 20 to 22, will be charged with "College Hazing-Cause Injury or Death."

Twenty-year-old Andrew Coffey was a junior and a pledge at Pi Kappa Phi. He died Nov. 3 after he was found unresponsive after a party. Florida State quickly responded by indefinitely suspending its fraternities and sororities.